Saturday’s scene: driving Yellowpoint Road in Nanaimo

Driftwood washes up on the shore at Blue Heron Park off Yellowpoint Road in Nanaimo

On a scenic drive along Yellowpoint Road in Nanaimo, B.C., Alan and I stopped at Blue Heron Park for a walk on an off-the-beaten-path, Vancouver Island beach. After investigating driftwood that the tide had piled like tinker toys onto the shore, we searched for tide pools hidden in the depressions of the rocky beach. The grassy park area above the beach included benches as well as a picnic pavilion. The pleasant scene enticed us to sit for awhile on the bench to enjoy the homemade muffins that Chef David Wong had given us “for the road” after breakfast at Jar Restaurant.

Yellowpoint Road makes a fun country tour after spending time in the city of Nanaimo. Foodies will enjoy visiting Yellow Point Cranberries (closed during the summer)—I dare you to leave without buying a jar of cranberry preserves. Fredrich’s Honey Farm is also located along the route. And, if it’s a Sunday drive that you’re taking, don’t miss Cedar Farmers Market next to Crow and Gate Neighborhood Pub.

Hazelwood Herb Farm makes another fun stop. A walk in the garden is aromatic as well as beautiful. Be sure to browse the gift shop for herb-infused beauty products, herbal tea blends and food products. Rumor has it that the flavored beer bread mixes are delicious.

Speaking of delicious, time your drive to end at Mahle House Restaurant at the dinner hour. Serving seasonal dishes with many of the ingredients coming from the garden on property or from nearby farms, Mahle House is not to be missed. I’ll be telling you more about our Adventure Dining experience soon.